Breaking Norms & Limitations

  By: Siphesihle Ndwandwe  Across the four regions of Eswatini, Manzini stands tall as the second-most developed in terms of infrastructure. Yet, tucked in its mountainous terrain lies a forgotten place called Mashayineni. This is a community where time seems to have stood still. For over 20 years, the residents of Mashayineni and surrounding areas like Kamlungu have lived with an unnavigable gravel road. The road has stripped these people of basic access to transport, health care, and opportunities for development.            ( pic: Nosisa) Damaged road of Mashayineni The narrow, crumbling gravel road that winds through Mashayineni is more than an inconvenience; it’s a threat. Sharp stones and washed-out sections make travel nearly impossible, especially during the rainy season. The road has resulted in public transport being scarce, using scheduled time. There is a minibus that passes through Mashayineni at 6:30 am and a bus that goes arou...

By Nonduduzo Ngcamphalala Asexual and Proud In a Eswatini, it’s still hard for LGBTQI+ people to be open and accepted. That why Pride is more than just a fun event with colors and music, it’s a way to tell the world:” This is who we are.” This year, under the theme Living Our Truth, gives the LGBTQI+ a chance to show their true selves, speak up for their right as the LGBTQI+ community to express who they are, demand equal rights, and reclaim their dignity in a society that continues to marginalize them.   Members of the LGBTQI+community and       allies proudly March during the Eswatini   pride celebration, holding a colorful banner with rainbow flags and raised fists symbolizing unity and equality. Across Eswatini, LGBTQI+ individuals especially transgender people still face discrimination in critical public services. In hospitals, trans people are regularly denied the respectful, gender-affirming care they deserve. Their needs are dismissed, their ...

By: Gcinile Msibi   Timbutini - In Eswatini, water is a fundamental resource for life, yet millions of people around the globe still lack access to clean drinking water. The Timbutini community, settle in the rich banks of the Umzimpofu River in Manzini, is no exception. The journey of water from its source in the river to the taps in Timbutini home’s illustrated the community struggles and successes in managing this vital resource. The Umzimpofu River, flowing from the surrounding mountains, serves as the primary water source for the community. Its clean water has historically provided drinking water and water for agriculture. However, with increasing population density and climate variability, the rivers capacity to meet the demands of the community has come under pressure. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eswatini Water Service Corporation (ESWC) Jabulile Mashwama says “the demand for water in the Timbutini area has risen by 40% over the past decade due to populatio...